“We are less interested in grousing and playing politics,” he said. “We are more interested in finding solutions and moving forward at a substantial level. And that’s why we make the choices we make in terms of voting.”

WATCH: Trudeau discusses what Canada would do with UN Security Council seat if received

Trudeau said UN member countries regularly file resolutions targeting Israel for political purposes.

“This idea of using votes in the United Nations to isolate or condemn Israel…is not productive in international relations. And Canada avoids taking sides in that.”

“I have always been very clear: our embassy will stay in Tel Aviv,” he said. “We do not believe that actions like this (Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the embassy there) are useful.”

He said Canada is engaged in a “thoughtful and responsible manner” to demonstrate ways to advance the debate in a constructive manner.

The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Dec. 21 to denounce the U.S. position.

The nonbinding resolution declaring U.S. action on Jerusalem “null and void” was approved 128-9, with the United States, Israel, Guatemala, Honduras, Togo, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and the Marshall Islands voting against.

Thirty-five countries, including Canada, abstained, and 21 did not vote.